Leveling from 1-60: Questing and Dungeons

This WoW guide covers how to level from 1-60 on either Kalimdor or Eastern Kingdoms. We will tell you the best leveling routes and what zones you shouldn't pass up in our guide! We've even included some fun items to hunt for to give you reasons to check out certain zones over others.

Each section breaks down the questing experience by continent and faction, along with maps and descriptions of interesting things in each zone. We've also included a section for dungeons at the end in case you prefer to get some experience that way.

General Tips

Not sure how to reach a zone? Our transportation guide covers all major forms of transportation including flight paths, boats, zeppelins, and portals. We also have maps showing every possible location you can travel to with an item or NPC!

While this guide provides leveling suggestions, if you're stuck and just don't like a zone, check out our Zones database and menus. We've broken down zones by level so if you don't like anything in the 41-60 range, you can browse all the other zones in that level range. Just don't stray too far from your recommended level range, or else mobs might become deadly.

On a zone's page, you can see the recommended level range in Quick Facts and more details at the breadcrumb menu at the top left of the page. If you click "Show on Map" you can see a number of cool things like flightmasters, mineral nodes, rare spawns, and and rez points!

If you are running through this content in full heirlooms, it's still worth holding onto some rewards if you like transmog. A number of unique looks are only available from a few quests--check out the full list of 1-60 quest sets in our Transmog Set database.

Want to join a guild? Check out all the rewards you can get for guild reputation in our Guild Guide.

Patch 7.3.5 Zone Scaling

In Patch 7.3.5, you will no longer have to leave zones before you finish the zone story because you overleveled them. Zones and dungeons will now scale to your level. This includes experience from monsters and quests, monster damage, and monster health. However, each zone has a minimum and maximum level that these quests and monsters will scale to. Zones roughly fit into these categories:

Starting areas: 1-20

Kalimdor and Eastern Kingdoms: 10-60

Outland and Northrend: 58-80

Cataclysm and Pandaria: 80-90

Warlords: 90-100

Legion: 98-110

In addition, more experience is required per level up to 60.

Here is a breakdown of what to expect in Kalimdor and Eastern Kingdoms, the zones covered in this guide:

Eastern Kingdoms: Part One (1-12)

Each starting zone has a unique experience limited only to players of that race. These zones will teach you more about the culture of each race and long-standing political conflicts and struggles they face.

While not the most efficient leveling zone, the Worgen starting zone is one of the best zones in the game to this date from a lore perspective; it offers a substantial look at the history of an entire race. It's a treat for any player, new and old. (Take note: the Worgen starting zone ends with your player getting on a boat to Kalimdor, so you'll probably continue questing in Night Elf zones after this initial part, or take the boat back to Stormwind from Rut'theran Village.)

Eastern Kingdoms: Part Two (10-35)

After the starting zone, you have the choice of taking two paths from level 10 through 35--just remember, when you hit level 20, don't forget to head back to a city trainer to learn Apprenti cavalier. This lets you learn ground mounts and travel at 60% increased speed. If you already have a high-level character, you can now use their account-wide ground mounts.

If you want to switch questing paths, the easiest way to travel is to take the Deeprun Tram, a train system, between Stormwind and Ironforge.

After Cataclysm zone changes, this route is now jam-packed with action. In Marche de l’Ouest, you learn about the fate of the Defias and unpleasant politics of Stormwind--with a shocking ending. Les Carmines has an action-packed questline influenced by Rambo with Foulard de Keeshan as a vanity reward, and Bois de la Pénombre has a sufficiently spooky air.

In Stranglethorn Vale, you get to infiltrate Zul'Gurub, rescue a raptor and get a new friendly pet (Jeune flagellant), and protect Booty Bay against everyone's favorite pirates, the Bloodsail Buccaneers.

Booty Bay is a useful place for characters to visit in general--it's a neutral city meaning you can trade items on the AH between factions, plus it has a port so you can take a boat to Ratchet in Kalimdor. It also hosts a weekly fishing tournament and is home to Landro Tirauloin who redeems codes for Trading Card vanity loot.

This route received less revamps after Cataclysm. It is best suited to Dwarves and Gnomes due to its proximity to the starting zone Dun Morogh.

While Hautes-terres Arathies was relatively untouched, the other zones have touching questlines. Loch Modan and Les Paluns were hit hard by the Shattering--the dwarves are struggling with the destruction of the Stonewrought Dam and resulting environmental changes, while Menethil Harbor is flooded.

Maleterres de l’Ouest is a surprisingly vibrant area now, transformed as it heals from the Scourge invasion. However, there are still problems to face; the zone is embroiled in a conflict of factions due to its close proximity to the Forsaken outposts. Teaching Zen'Kiki how to play his druid correctly in Zen’Kiki le druide should make you smile as well.

When starting out in Maleterres de l’Est, players will also be able to do a series of introductory quests with Caravane de Fiona. Make sure these initial quests for the caravan are done right away to unlock the quest Le porte-bonheur de Fiona which grants players a buff called Charme de chance de Fiona. This will cause a Fortune cachée to drop occasionally from EPL mobs; each one has a chance to contain the elusive M. Boustifs, a larva battle pet. Higher level players often end up having to farm him, so getting this blessing now is a great way to kill two birds with one stone. You will be able to farm for the pet while you level and complete other quests in the zone. You can also nab the achievement La caravane est complète.

In Terres Ingrates, players encounter the dragon Rhea and assist her in saving a purified egg from Deathwing--one that will turn up again in the new legendary for rogues. It's a heartbreaking questline and the final reward, Dernier œuf de Rhea, is one many players won't sell.

Eastern Kingdoms: Part One (1-12)

Eastern Kingdoms: Part Two (10-35)

After the starting zone, you have the choice of taking two paths from level 10 through 35--just remember, when you hit level 20, don't forget to head back to a city trainer to learn Apprenti cavalier. This lets you learn ground mounts and travel at 60% increased speed. If you already have a high-level character, you can now use their account-wide ground mounts.

At level 10, you have two options--Ghostlands or Silverpine Forest. However, any path missing out on Silverpine Forest isn't worth taking. In our opinion, it's the coolest Horde zone in all of this expansion! It fleshes out the character of Lady Sylvanas Windrunner significantly and paints the Forsaken in a terrifying light. So ditch Ghostlands, you'll be happy you did; nothing will beat the innovative use of phasing and dynamic questlines that Silverpine has to offer.

Hillsbrad is also an incredibly well-done zone. It's also highly changed from its original roots. Intelligently, Hillsbrad counters the darkness revealed in Silverpine Forest's storylines with humor. The NPCs you'll meet will be memorable and hilarious; they serve as a tongue-in-cheek and loving message from Blizzard to fans. The introduction quest to the zone sets the entire tone. In Bienvenue dans le système, you'll find the tables have turned as you take on the role of the quest giving NPC that doles out quests to adventurers. It just gets better from there, cumulating with an in-game version of PopCap's hit, Plants vs. Zombies. Defend your brains, err grains, long enough and leave the zone with your very own Sunflower vanity pet (Graines de tournesol de Brazie).

At this point, you have the choice to continue questing in nearby Arathi, or head down to Stranglethorn Vale for a more interesting questing experience.

In Stranglethorn Vale, you get to infiltrate Zul'Gurub, rescue a raptor and get a new friendly pet (Jeune flagellant), and protect Booty Bay against everyone's favorite pirates, the Bloodsail Buccaneers.

Booty Bay is a useful place for characters to visit in general--it's a neutral city meaning you can trade items on the AH between factions, plus it has a port so you can take a boat to Ratchet in Kalimdor. It also hosts a weekly fishing tournament and is home to Landro Tirauloin who redeems codes for Trading Card vanity loot.

You'll get to see a new, greener side of Maleterres de l’Ouest for the first time since the Lich King's fall. Make sure to head to the Bulwark on the border of Tirisfal Glades and Maleterres de l’Ouest to pick up the introduction quests to WPL from Apothicaire Dithers and his camp. They're easy to miss, but these quests involve some of the best use of phasing yet in World of Warcraft. Be prepared to be asked to destroy farmsteads and help spread the blight. This zone is a wonderfully dark continuation of the Forsaken storyline that really took hold in Silverpine Forest and Hillsbrad.

When starting out in Maleterres de l’Est, players will also be able to do a series of introductory quests with Caravane de Fiona. Make sure these initial quests for the caravan are done right away to unlock the quest Le porte-bonheur de Fiona which grants players a buff called Charme de chance de Fiona. This will cause a Fortune cachée to drop occasionally from EPL mobs; each one has a chance to contain the elusive M. Boustifs, a larva battle pet. Higher level players often end up having to farm him, so getting this blessing now is a great way to kill two birds with one stone. You will be able to farm for the pet while you level and complete other quests in the zone. You can also nab the achievement La caravane est complète.

In Terres Ingrates, players encounter the dragon Rhea and assist her in saving a purified egg from Deathwing--one that will turn up again in the new legendary for rogues. It's a heartbreaking questline and the final reward, Dernier œuf de Rhea, is one many players won't sell.

Kalimdor: Alliance (Night Elves, Draenei, Worgen)

This section suggests best leveling routes on Kalimdor for Alliance Characters--it's recommended for Night Elves and Draenei because their starting zones are on this continent. Worgen could work too as they are sent to Kalimdor after their starting zone.

Kalimdor: Part One (1-12)

Kalimdor: Part Two (10-30)

When you hit level 20, don't forget to head back to a city trainer to learn Apprenti cavalier. This lets you learn ground mounts and travel at 60% increased speed. If you already have a high-level character, you can now use their account-wide ground mounts.

After completing either starting zone, you have the option to continue to the next zone. Draenei should check out Darkshore instead of their usual haunt, Bloodmyst Isle, if they can stand hoofing it. Darkshore has earned its name after the expansion as it is much darker and dreadful of a place after having received a tragic makeover. It starts out by searching for the survivors from Auberdine to set a somber mood with the quest La dernière vague de survivants. It only gets sadder from that point onward.

Kalimdor: Part Three (30-60)

At 30, there are two paths you can take. The first path is more interesting from a lore perspective, as it covers more zones that received revamps in Cataclysm.

Both paths will take you to Mille pointes. If you've grouped in dungeons, used recruit-a-friend, or equipped heirloom gear you probably can skip this zone. You might even be able to without since leveling has gotten much easier. If you want flavor while questing--check this zone out though. It's been flooded over, its valleys turned into a lake, you can get a ghostly tauren companion with Cor du traître, and you will spend much of your time riding on your own Bateau fluvial! If you want to level quickly, swimming around may not be your cup of tea.

Désolace and Féralas have received numerous changes since Cataclysm. The center of Désolace is now a lush forest and parts of Féralas are sunk. If you're a fan of Night Elf lore, you should definitely check out Féralas to see how Feathermoon Stronghold has expanded and to learn more about the Highborne culture in Dire Maul.

Gangrebois is our personal favorite; as the lore goes, it was corrupted by the Skull of Gul'dan. Building on that in Cataclysm, there's now an interesting quest arc involving Illidan (Le crâne de Gul’dan) to explain how everything came to be through a series of scripted events. It also has a unique, bright green cat model for Hunters to tame (Chaton de Winna) and a cool trinket that shoots rainbows ().

Tarides du Sud is another war-torn zone worth doing on both sides. Split from the top half of the barrens after the Shattering, the Alliance have made military inroads. Much of the conflict revolves around the fate of Camp Taurajo, a Horde civilian town destroyed by the Alliance. Dustwallow Marsh meanwhile remains relatively unchanged.

Tanaris has also been affected by Cataclysm--it's worth visiting to see the iconic Steamwheedle Port underwater with its Goblin survivors clinging to their washed out homes. In Un'Goro, you will be able to get Moulin à vent miniature which comes from a great quest. Silithus isn't too exciting in Cataclysm, but you should be able to finish up remaining experience there.

Kalimdor: Horde (Tauren, Orcs, Trolls, Goblins)

This section suggests best leveling routes on Kalimdor for Horde Characters--it's recommended for Tauren, Orcs, Trolls, and Goblins because their starting zones are on this continent.

Kalimdor: Part One (1-12)

Kalimdor: Part Two (10-30)

When you hit level 20, don't forget to head back to a city trainer to learn Apprenti cavalier. This lets you learn ground mounts and travel at 60% increased speed. If you already have a high-level character, you can now use their account-wide ground mounts.

if you're the type of player who likes vanity items, consider stopping by Azshara and doing your teen levels there instead of in the Barrens. The zone's best reward is Chapeau de sorcier décoloré. This hat turns the wearer into various other in-game models such as a female Undead or a male Human. Azshara is also the home to Archmage Xylem's magical trials--try these out if you want to practice your movement skills! Le châtiment par le Feu, Le châtiment par le Givre, Le châtiment par l'Ombre.

The conflict between the Horde and Night Elves is strong in these areas--Azshara used to be a night elf settlement, and the Warsong Gulch conflict in Orneval has escalated to the point where the Horde are attacking the Alliance in Astranaar.

Les Serres-Rocheuses is a tense storyline for both the Horde and Alliance. It tracks the fate of a lethal Horde bomb--the Alliance are desperately trying to intercept it, while not everyone in the Horde is pleased how the bomb is being handled and its destruction. It's a rare look into the positive side of Garrosh as a leader as well.

Kalimdor: Part Three (30-60)

At 30, there are two paths you can take. The first path is more interesting from a lore perspective, as it covers more zones that received revamps in Cataclysm.

Both paths will take you to Mille pointes. If you've grouped in dungeons, used recruit-a-friend, or equipped heirloom gear you probably can skip this zone. You might even be able to without since leveling has gotten much easier. If you want flavor while questing--check this zone out though. It's been flooded over, its valleys turned into a lake, you can get a ghostly tauren companion with Cor du traître, and you will spend much of your time riding on your own Bateau fluvial! If you want to level quickly, swimming around may not be your cup of tea.

Désolace and Féralas have received numerous changes since Cataclysm. The center of Désolace is now a lush forest and parts of Féralas are sunk while Feathermoon Stronghold has grown.

Gangrebois is our personal favorite; as the lore goes, it was corrupted by the Skull of Gul'dan. Building on that in Cataclysm, there's now an interesting quest arc involving Illidan (Le crâne de Gul’dan) to explain how everything came to be through a series of scripted events. It also has a unique, bright green cat model for Hunters to tame (Chaton de Winna) and a cool trinket that shoots rainbows ().

Tarides du Sud is another war-torn zone worth doing on both sides. Split from the top half of the barrens after the Shattering, the Alliance have made military inroads. Much of the conflict revolves around the fate of Camp Taurajo, a Horde civilian town destroyed by the Alliance. Dustwallow Marsh meanwhile remains relatively unchanged.

Tanaris has also been affected by Cataclysm--it's worth visiting to see the iconic Steamwheedle Port underwater with its Goblin survivors clinging to their washed out homes. In Un'Goro, you will be able to get Moulin à vent miniature which comes from a great quest. Silithus isn't too exciting in Cataclysm, but you should be able to finish up remaining experience there.

Leveling in Dungeons

As you level up, new dungeons will be available in LFD. Players are eligible to queue up for random dungeons at level 15; at this point, a Dungeon Finder option will appear on your mini-bar (hotkey letter i). Queueing for a random dungeon will reward you with better experience and a Satchel of Helpful Goods containing useful leveling gear.

Don't forget to pick up quests at the start of an instance, as they could be a nice experience boost.

With the changes to zone scaling in Patch 7.3.5, you no longer have to worry about queueing up for a dungeon, completing it, and zoning out to find out you outleveled the zone. This should make leveling faster as you no longer have to travel between outdoor zones to find quests that provide experience. Now, you can just quest, queue, quest, queue and stay in the same zone until 60.

Dungeons are a very efficient way to level in Patch 7.3.5. Look for dungeons which have high amounts of trash as well as high amounts of bonus bosses, to get the most out of kill experience and dungeon completion experience. Stratholme is a good dungeon to run repeatedly as it has 7 bonus bosses. You can also have a max-level friend power level you through the dungeons as well. More details on how dungeon experience works in thorr69's comment.

What's Next?

Congratulations--you've hit 60! At this point, you can head to the Dark Portal for Outland leveling to fight the Burning Crusade, or head to Howling Fjord or Borean Tundra to learn more about the Lich King's story in Northrend. Both of these continents will provide you with scaling content from 58 through 80.

At level 60 you can also train Expert cavalier and start riding flying mounts across Azeroth, Outland, Northrend, and Pandaria.

Commentaire de PrairieChicken

Commentaire de lankybrit

The only issue is with Worgen. They start off in Gilneas, but after they escape the city, they are sent off to Kalimdor, so they should be following the Kalimdor Part 2 path.

EDIT: So please explain why you're downvoting this. Do you disagree that Worgen are sent of to Kalimdor after their starting zone? Or do you think I was wrong in calling it a great guide?

Cheers.

Commentaire de lankybrit

You still haven't mentioned in the Alliance Eastern Kingdoms starting section that Worgen get sent off to Teldrassil and they should choose from the Alliance Kalimdor section for where to go next.

Other than that, an excellent guide. I use it all the time.

Cheers.

Commentaire de baradiel

Very Good Guide! As always ;)

5/5

Commentaire de keithcleaver

Just to add (for the benefit of those new to the game) that even if you play a NE, Draenei or Worgen toon from the beginning, at level 12, you still have the option of the Eastern Kingdoms path, as a boat goes from Rutheran Village (which can be easily accessed from either starting zone, albeit at a price for Draenei toons) across to Stormwind City, and you can easily head to whatever EK second zone you want from there.

I did the Westfall story with my NE Druid toon, and as the OP says, it's a lot of fun with a very surprising ending!

Commentaire de 704546

The fastest way to lvl a Tank of Healer ,your new toon, is by questing till lvl 15 and then on till lvl 60 just run random dugeons, takes the average player faster.

Commentaire de SrNoob

This was a lot of help thanks!

Commentaire de nialos

OK I am new to the game and i have tried to figure out what quest to do and all that some one sugested me to use this site and i tried to under stand this guide but i am so confused how do i use this and do i just do all the quest

Commentaire de 1061478

Mhmmm,this one looks helpful... Button.

Commentaire de slaymordor

allthough this is a very nice guide.i suggest going dungeons untill you reach lvl 55ish especially if you get the dungeon quests its really worth it.

especially if you have heirlooms and its not your first character but that would mean taking a big hit on lvl professions.

Commentaire de coldfire101

This is a pretty good guide. Tbh though, I had a lot of money issues in wow and a lot of the advice people gave kinda...sucked. I actually a couple of bucks to throw around so I just decided to buy a gold guide lol. it actually helps if you dont care about the cost and willing to put some time in it. Haydens is the one. cheap i think and worth it.

Commentaire de coldfire101

This is a pretty good guide. Tbh though, I had a lot of money issues in wow and a lot of the advice people gave kinda...sucked. I actually a couple of bucks to throw around so I just decided to buy a gold guide lol. it actually helps if you dont care about the cost and willing to put some time in it. Haydens is the one. cheap i think and worth it.

Commentaire de coldfire101

This is a pretty good guide. Tbh though, I had a lot of money issues in wow and a lot of the advice people gave kinda...sucked. I actually a couple of bucks to throw around so I just decided to buy a gold guide lol. it actually helps if you dont care about the cost and willing to put some time in it.

Commentaire de perculia

We've revised this guide with a section on Dungeons, general tips, and more details on cool things in each zone. Enjoy!

Commentaire de skullcrusher2000

Commentaire de worthit

Thank you for mentioning my guide. Much appreciated!

Commentaire de Erividma

Thank you, this is a very helpful and informative guide...I'll be referring to it often! I'm currently in the middle of working Bloodmyst Isle with my newly created Retri Pal Draenei toon, however I'm debating on whether I should finish Bloodmyst Isle or head on over to Darkshore.

Commentaire de zids

Upper Blackrock Spire is no longer a low level dungeon.

Commentaire de tdboer

Very useful guide! Had a lot of fun with the Westfall storyline.

Commentaire de cberger2

It is 2016 and the guide is still fantastic! As a noob, I try and visit this guide any time I start a new zone. Thanks!

Commentaire de elfrost

hello.. I would recommend Zygor Zygor's Gold and Auctions Guide 2.0 has been releasedcheck it out here : Zygor Guide

Commentaire de LorzakSmash

Nice Guide.

Commentaire de CornellAssassin

Get Booster And Blast From Level 1-100 in 2 DaysStep-by-Step Leveling Guide & Navigation System Makes Leveling A BreezeLearn how at dynastyaddons.co.nf/booster.html

Commentaire de Skiaravensong

When I typed "wow leveling guide" into google this guide was the first link that popped up. In a nostalgic way it really warmed my heart.

Commentaire de sambonz

Thanks for putting all of this in the one place - *so* handy!

Commentaire de Tansas

Hey if any of you guys are interested, there's this leveling guide I found if your interested.

Commentaire de thorr69

Commentaire de PsykiraKohime

Fyi, i did a check, i was able to enter Razorfen Downs as low as level 32, so i am not sure how many of the dungeons are inaccurate.

Commentaire de dirtgrubdylan

I was able to just pick up quests from NPCs guiding me to the next level zone, but I don't really see a quest like that in Silithus. The only quest I have gotten like that, in Silithus, was to Blasted Lands, which is the same level range. Is there any quest here that will lead me to Outland or Northrend?

Commentaire de crioTimmy

I'm a bit late to ask, probably, but still... I did the Hillsbrad Foothills on my Mag'Har toon, hoping for questline involving the Frostwolf Clan, that was mentioned in the Mag'Har leveling guide. Imagine my dissappointment when all the "involvement" turned out to be just a short piece of a dialogue with enraged Drek'Tar, who sells the Forsaken to hell. Also, there was no "Plants vs Zombies" questchain. According to the in-game achievement journal, I did all the quests in Hillsbrad. Did I do something wrong? Seriously, the amount of quests seems really underwhelming compared to the scale of the whole zone, both size- and lore-wise.